MC 00001 Guide to the John William Harrelson Papers, 1908-1955

• MC 00001 Series 1. Correspondence
• MC 00001 Series 2. University
• MC 00001 Series 3. Conservation and Development
• MC 00001 Series 4. Military
• MC 00001 Series 5. Membership in Organizations
• MC 00001 Series 6. Personal

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Creator

Harrelson, J. W. (John William), 1885-1955

Quantity

10.7 Linear feet 22 boxes, 1 tube

General Physical Description note

22 boxes, 1 tube

Location

For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the Special Collections Research Center Reference Staff .

Language

English

Acquisitions Information

Gift of Elizabeth Harrelson, 1968.

Processing

Processed by: Lea Jordan; machine-readable finding aid created by: Lea Jordan

Revised

2012 May, Finding aid updated with addition from UA 020 (Memorabilia Collection)

Scope and Content Note

The John William Harrelson Papers contain a wide variety of materials including: correspondence, speeches and writings, reports, minutes, newspaper clippings, pamphlets, photographs, certificates, citations, commissions, appointments, scrapbooks, and other paraphernalia. The collection provides information about Harrelson's military career with the United States Army, his work as a professor and administrator at North Carolina State College, and his service as Director of the North Carolina Department of Conservation and Development. The materials also relate to Harrelson's membership in various civic organizations and participation on certain boards, commissions, and councils, which were often associated with colleges and private schools, including Saint Mary's School, the Raleigh Chamber of Commerce, and the Kiwanis Club.

Biographical Note

John William Harrelson was born on June 28, 1885, in Double Shoals Community, Cleveland County, North Carolina. He graduated from North Carolina College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts (later North Carolina State University) in 1909 with a Bachelor's degree in engineering. In 1915 he received a master's degree in mechanical engineering from the same school.

After graduation, Harrelson joined the military. Harrelson was actively employed in the military from 1917 to 1919, and remained a reserve officer after his active service was completed. During this period, Harrelson was a lieutenant in the Coast Artillery, North Carolina National Guard, when the United States entered World War I in April 1917. He was in active service for two years, before being returned to reserve status. While in the reserves, he was promoted to the rank of colonel in 1923.

After completing his active military service, Harrelson chose to stay at his alma mater as an instructor in the Mathematics Department. By 1921, he had risen to the rank of full professor. He was granted a leave of absence from the college in 1929, when Governor O. Max Gardner appointed him director of the North Carolina Department of Conservation and Development. Harrelson remained there from 1929 to 1933, promoting wildlife awareness and sound hunting and fishing practices. Harrelson returned to the college in 1933, and resumed his post as head of the Mathematics department.

In 1934, he was appointed Dean of Administration at North Carolina State College. The name of the position was changed to Chancellor in 1945. Harrelson held this position until his retirement in 1953. Harrelson guided the university through many difficult changes, such as the consolidation of the University of North Carolina system and the student population boom after World War II due to the G.I. Bill.

In 1935 Harrelson married Elizabeth Connor, but the couple had no children. He served on many governmental and private boards, committees and councils, primarily focusing on education and health care. After his retirement, Harrelson was instrumental in working for and promoting the new library on State College Campus, and worked to help start the special collections. He died in Raleigh on March 13, 1955.

Controlled Terms

1. Artillerymen--United States--History
2. College administrators--North Carolina--History
3. College teachers--North Carolina--History
4. Financial statements
5. Harrelson, J. W. (John William), 1885-1955
6. Letters (correspondence)
7. Minutes
8. North Carolina State College--Faculty.
9. North Carolina State University--Faculty--History.
10. North Carolina. Dept. of Conservation and Development--History.
11. Photographs
12. Scrapbooks
13. Universities and colleges--North Carolina--Faculty--History

Access to Collection

This collection is open for research; access requires at least 24 hours advance notice.

For more information contact us via mail, phone, fax, or our web form.

Mail

Special Collections Research Center
Box 7111
Raleigh, NC, 27695-7111

Telephone

(919) 515-2273

Fax

(919) 513-1787

Preferred Citation

[Identification of item], John William Harrelson Papers, MC 1, Special Collections Research Center, North Carolina State University Libraries, Raleigh, NC

Access to Collection

The nature of the NCSU Libraries' Special Collections means that copyright or other information about restrictions may be difficult or even impossible to determine despite reasonable efforts. The NCSU Libraries claims only physical ownership of most Special Collections materials.

The materials from our collections are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study, pursuant to U.S. Copyright law. The user must assume full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials. Any materials used for academic research or otherwise should be fully credited with the source.